Although one of the strengths of 'Genius' is the work from a high-quality cast, the film as a whole sadly fails to communicate any meaningful human emotion and the result is flat, wooden and uneven. In spite of the attempts from cast members, the film is not moving or hard-thinking. Overall it lacks the gravitas it should have. Part of the problem is the conventional, predictable and cliché-heavy screenplay, despite some occasionally profound and sometimes funny pieces of dialogue. But not all is dull in this film. It does have some very enjoyable aspects. For example, the film faithfully recreates the New York of the late 1920s and early 1930s with vigour and noteworthy skill, and it features some beautiful cinematography and a nice use of colour along the way. Most pieces of dialogue are well developed. Some passages from Thomas Wolfe's rich prose are quoted or read by Colin Firth to very good effect. Likewise, the use of music remains mostly successful throughout the film. However, 'Genius' proves that these virtues and an intriguing creative premise with notable intentions are sometimes not quite enough to make a film reach the heights it could have otherwise reached. 'Genius' may not be a work of genius but it is, no doubt, entertaining and interesting
Grade: 6.1 / 10
Grade: 6.1 / 10